After losing his marriage and career due to his bipolar disorder and a cyclothymic personality leading him to attempting suicide, Sam disappeared to Thailand.

Whilst there, he realised that coming home would mean that he’d be homeless. He got in contact with Salisbury Trust for the Homeless over email, who arranged meetings and accommodation for when he returned.

Sam’s mental illness soon led him to feeling suicidal again, and he took an overdose which left him in a three-day coma. The Trust supported him through this incredibly difficult period, finding him new housing and giving him security again.

This film was made by second year students studying Media Production at Bournemouth University

Sam’s piece of advice for changemaking:

“Help will cost you nothing”

  • £5 can provide a bus fare for a day to access activities and appointments
  • £60 can provide a new outfit for a person coming to us from the street with no clothing other than what they come in wearing.
  • £1,000 keeps a Rough Sleeper in emergency accommodation for a month
  • £5,000 would buy 60 starter packs for customers moving into a new home, which would include, kitchen starter set, dinner set, Bathroom towel set, duvet, pillows, full bedding set
  • £10,000 would currently cover the interest cost on a private finance loan of around £333,000 that could fund the building of around three new homes